Robert Kelley

Strategic and results-driven Facilities Operations Leader with 10+ years of experience managing large-scale educational and athletic facilities. Expert in optimizing budgets, teams, and infrastructure to deliver safe, efficient, and high-performing environments. Adept at leading capital projects, driving sustainability, and enhancing community and athletic experiences through operational excellence and equity-driven leadership.

Campus Facilities Manager at Kipp Schools (2026-01 – Present)

• Kept the school's facilities operating smoothly by overseeing daily maintenance and creating a safe, clean environment for students and staff.
• Coordinated the delivery and setup of furniture, equipment, and supplies while maintaining organized inventory records.
• Partnered with vendors to schedule services, resolve issues, and keep maintenance projects on track.
• Processed purchase orders, approved invoices, and managed vendor payments through an online procurement system, ensuring invoices were paid on time.
• Evaluated contractor bids, compared labor and material costs, and confirmed work aligned with contract requirements.
• Led maintenance and capital improvement projects from planning through completion with minimal disruption to daily school operations.
• Walked the campus regularly to identify maintenance needs, correct safety concerns, and prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
• Built preventive maintenance schedules for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other building systems to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Monitored the Building Management System (BMS), replaced HVAC filters, troubleshot equipment issues, and completed minor system repairs.
• Repaired doors, lighting, outlets, fixtures, plumbing, and other building components to keep the campus fully operational.
• Maintained compliance with OSHA, fire safety, environmental regulations, and asbestos management requirements.
• Organized fire alarm testing, life safety inspections, and emergency drills to support campus preparedness.
• Monitored facility spending, reviewed service contracts, and identified opportunities to control costs while maintaining service standards.
• Maintained accurate records for work orders, inspections, warranties, permits, and regulatory documentation.
• Directed the daily work of custodial and maintenance staff, ensuring projects were completed efficiently and facility standards remained high.
• Worked alongside school leaders, staff, and contractors to prioritize maintenance needs and deliver projects on schedule.
• Prepared classrooms and common spaces for school events and community programs by coordinating room setups and facility logistics.
• Improved preventive maintenance practices, reducing emergency repairs and extending the life of critical building systems.

Supervisor of Plant Operations and Maintenance at Montclair Board of Education (2015-08 – 2026-01)

• Oversaw execution of projects funded by a $188 million bond referendum, ensuring compliance, fiscal accountability, and on-time delivery of district facility upgrades
• Oversee daily operations for 16 district educational and 4 athletic facilities totaling 1M+ sq. ft., ensuring safety, functionality, cleanliness and readiness for sports, community events, and classroom instruction.
• Lead 45+ custodial and maintenance personnel, enhancing efficiency by 25% through redesigned workflows, cross-training, and performance metrics.
• Implement preventive maintenance and inspection programs that cut emergency repairs by 30% and extend asset life-cycles.
• Standardized digital tools and developed protocols to record and analyze work order data, enhancing reliability and auditability of facility operations.
• Champion energy conservation initiatives, reducing consumption by 10% annually through sustainability upgrades and efficiency programs.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, ADA, and state regulations governing facility operations, safety, and accessibility.

Chief of Equity (Appointed) at Montclair Board of Education (2023-09 – 2025-07)

• Appointed as liaison between executive district leadership and community stakeholders to ensure equitable facility maintenance and access for athletic, educational, and event spaces.
• Collaborated with operations and HR teams to align resource distribution and staff development with equity goals.
• Conducted policy reviews to promote inclusive community engagement and fair use of facilities.
• Supported training and communication efforts to build a culture of diversity and belonging throughout the district.
• Appointed to lead district wide initiatives advancing equity, inclusion, and cultural competency across staff and student programs.

Chaplain, Unit Ministry and Leadership Development Strategist at United States Army (2016-08 – Present)

• Delivered leadership and resilience training to 100+ personnel, improving team performance and mental readiness in high-stress environments.
• Advised senior leadership on personnel welfare and morale strategies, enhancing unit cohesion and retention.
• Developed and led wellness, counseling, and leadership programs, increasing participation and engagement by 30%.
• Applied crisis management and organizational development principles to strengthen operational resilience and mission readiness.

Director of Youth Services at Gang Prevention Through Targeted Outreach (2011-05 – 2013-02)

• Designed and managed mentorship programs reaching 150+ at-risk youth, improving academic performance and behavioral outcomes.
• Partnered with schools, law enforcement, and community groups to reduce repeat juvenile offenses by 20%.
• Directed educational and recreational initiatives fostering teamwork, positive engagement, and leadership development.
• Oversaw program logistics, scheduling, and facility readiness for youth sports and outreach activities.

Bachelor of Arts in Family and Crisis Counseling – University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Arts in Theology – University of Pretoria